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Patriotic Popcorn Balls

This dish involves popping popcorn and mixing it with melted caramel to form sticky clusters that are shaped into balls. The final treat features a crunchy, chewy texture with a glossy appearance, often decorated with colorful sprinkles or candies to enhance the festive look.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 cups popcorn (unpopped or pre-popped) preferably unsalted and plain
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional food coloring and sprinkles or candies for decoration

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the popcorn evenly on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for 10 minutes to crisp slightly. Remove and set aside.
  2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously with a silicone spatula until the mixture begins to boil, then attach a candy thermometer and cook without stirring until it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage), about 5 minutes. You should see a steady boil and smell caramelizing.
    10 cups popcorn (unpopped or pre-popped), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  3. Remove the syrup from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a few drops of food coloring if desired. Mix until fully incorporated and the color is uniform.
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, Optional food coloring and sprinkles or candies
  4. Pour the hot caramel over the prepared popcorn in the large mixing bowl. Immediately use a spatula to gently toss and coat all the popcorn evenly with the caramel. Be careful as mixture will be hot.
  5. Once coated, transfer the caramel-coated popcorn onto a parchment-lined surface. Allow it to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes, then use your hands to scoop and shape the popcorn into compact balls. Decorate with sprinkles or candies if desired while still slightly sticky.
  6. Let the popcorn balls sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to set. Once hardened, they can be wrapped individually or stored in an airtight container.

Notes

For more vibrant color, add multiple food colorings and decorate with patriotic-themed sprinkles or candies.